India is fast becoming a preferred choice for higher education among students from around the world. The Indian government has also made a large investment to improve its top colleges. This important update was shared by Sukanta Majumdar , the Minister of Education (State), during a recent Rajya Sabha session . He stated that 72,218 foreign students from nearly 200 different countries are currently studying in India, showing its growing appeal as a global study hub. Indian institutions are also performing much better in international university rankings.
Government Invests Heavily in Top Colleges
The Union government has put aside ₹6,198.99 crore to develop eight public institutions . This money is part of the 'World Class Institutions' scheme. This scheme aims to help selected Indian colleges become excellent in all areas. This includes improving their teaching quality, offering advanced research opportunities, and making their facilities top-notch. The main goal is to raise these institutions to truly global standards. This significant government support is a key step towards making India's higher education system stronger.
India Attracting More International Students
The fact that 72,218 foreign students from about 200 countries are studying in India shows a clear trend. India is now a popular destination for students seeking quality education. These students are spread across various Indian universities and colleges. The government is not stopping here; it is actively working on plans to attract even more international students. It is also looking to build stronger academic partnerships with universities in other countries.
| Key Education Data | Numbers/Details |
| Total Foreign Students in India (as of 2025) | 72,218 |
| Number of Countries Represented by Students | Nearly 200 |
| Government Funds Allocated for Institutions | ₹6,198.99 crore |
| Public Institutions Receiving Special Funds | 8 |
| Indian Institutions in QS World University Rankings 2026 | 54 |
| Indian Institutions in QS World University Rankings 2014-15 | 11 |
| Indian Institutions in QS World University Rankings 2021 | 27 |
Indian Universities See Big Jump in Global Rankings
India's performance in global education rankings has shown a big leap. A total of 54 Indian institutions have been included in the respected QS World University Rankings 2026 . This is a remarkable increase compared to previous years. For instance, in 2014-15, only 11 Indian institutions made it to this list. The number then grew to 27 by 2021 . The current figure of 54 institutions marks India's best-ever showing in these important world rankings, reflecting the improved quality of education.
National Education Policy 2020 Boosts Quality
The National Education Policy 2020 (NEP) is a key reason behind these positive changes. The NEP focuses on several important areas to uplift education quality. It ensures better physical facilities and resources (like classrooms, labs, libraries) for students and teachers. It also strongly encourages high-quality research work within colleges. Furthermore, the policy helps connect educational institutions with various industries. These efforts under NEP are making Indian education more competitive and recognized globally. This is why the number of Indian institutions in the QS rankings has doubled in the last five years.
These ongoing efforts and strategic investments are expected to further strengthen India's position in the global education landscape. The government remains committed to making India a top destination for students worldwide and a hub for academic excellence.
